Letter

Adam J. Slemmer to Pet - Ls, April 12, 1861

Fort PICKENS, Fia.

Capt. H. A. ADAMS, Commanding Squadron off Pensacola Harbor : * Sir: In reply to your communication of the 11th instant, I have to state the information I received is through varied sources, and all to the same effect, viz, that the

troops were preparing to embark for this island, and that boats and material~ were ready at the navy-yard to start at any moment; that the intention was to land either last night or the night before. The weather having been such these nights that they could scarcely cross unless very determined, they may be expected at the first favorable opportunity. Ihave deemed my information of such importance that for-the last two nights my men have been placed at the guns in readiness to”repel an attack. My men and officers are much fatigued, and I deem it absolutely necessary that the fort should be re-enforced immediately. Provisions should also be landed while there is yet time to do so by the Wyandotte. I am, sir,

very respectfully, your obedient servant,

A. J. SLEMMER,
First Lieutenant, First Artillery, Commandiag.
.
Pet – Ls
On the night of the 12th instant, Captain Adams having received instructions from the Navy Department, Captain Vogdes landed with his
company and the marines from the vessels, and relieved me from the
command of the post. On the morning of the 11th instant I sent Ordnance Sergeant Broady on board the frigate Sabine, as I deemed it very
unsafe to keep him in the fort, even if a good man, subject to the seductive influences I knew to be at work upon him. On the morning of the
Editor's Notes
From: Operations on the Pacific Coast, Pt. 1. Location: Fort PICKENS, Fia.. Summary: A. J. Slemmer reports imminent Confederate troop movements toward Fort Pickens, requests immediate reinforcements and provisions to prepare for a potential attack.
Sources
The War of the Rebellion: Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Series I, Volume 50, Part 1 View original source ↗